Jodie Whittaker has officially made history as the first female Doctor Who in the while run of the series that stretches back to more than 50 years.
The identity of the new Doctor was revealed exclusively on BBC One and on social media around the world after the Men’s Wimbledon Final on Sunday 16th July where it was reveled that Jodie Whittaker, known for her roles in Broadchurch, Black Mirror and Cranford, will take over the mantle from Peter Capaldi as the thirteenth Doctor.
The next season of Doctor Who will see a change in more than one way as new head writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall takes over from showrunner Steven Moffat, who’s been been on the series since it’s revival in 2005. Chibnall wasted no time in making his mark as he made the decision to cast the first ever woman in the iconic role.
Here’s what some of the people close to the show have to say about the first female Doctor:
“I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey – with Chris and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait.” – Jodie Whittaker.
“After months of lists, conversations, auditions, recalls, and a lot of secret-keeping, we’re excited to welcome Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. I always knew I wanted the Thirteenth Doctor to be a woman and we’re thrilled to have secured our number one choice. Her audition for The Doctor simply blew us all away. Jodie is an in-demand, funny, inspiring, super-smart force of nature and will bring loads of wit, strength and warmth to the role. The Thirteenth Doctor is on her way.” – Chris Chibnall
“Anyone who has seen Jodie Whittaker’s work will know that she is a wonderful actress of great individuality and charm. She has above all the huge heart to play this most special part. She’s going to be a fantastic Doctor.” – Peter Capaldi
While the BBC and the stars have all been understandably positive to the appointment, social media has been pretty supportive as well. Looks like there is hope for the world yet:
I'll bet $100 a form of this exchange is in the first episode of #DoctorWho season 11.
"Nice to meet you, Miss…?"
"Actually, it's Doctor."— ? (@stexl) July 17, 2017
#DoctorWho is finally getting a female doctor! Yes yes yes yes!!!
— Crystal Mathews (@PaladinCrys) July 17, 2017
I'm interested to see how Jodie will do, I shall hold my judgement until I see a few episodes. Same as I did with Peter. #DoctorWho
— Kyle Dobbert (@KyLDob) July 17, 2017
Mad about a female Doctor? You miss the entire point of #doctorwho. You're gonna stop watching? Oh..we'll miss you?? pic.twitter.com/BtXYlWc0Cp
— Patches (@GreatMuffinKing) July 17, 2017
I've seen probably 50+ tweets to the effect of "Can't believe people are mad about a FEMALE #DoctorWho" Haven't actually seen mad people yet
— The Question (@NightlyQuest) July 17, 2017
Catch-up with the latest series of Doctor Who on BBC First (StarHub channel 522) and on the BBC Player.